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The charity said that with one in three first-time buyers now aged over 35, the large deposits often demanded by lenders are stopping growing numbers of people from buying a home.

Lenders have been tightening their borrowing criteria in recent months amid the weak economy, resulting in a drop in the proportion of approvals, while the range of mortgages available to first-time buyers and people with deposits of 10pc or less has shrunk back significantly over the last six months.

A report from Lloyds TSB last week found that people trying to take their second step on the housing ladder, who are often those trying to trade up because they want to start having children, are facing some of the toughest market conditions seen in a generation.

Many would-be second-time buyers are stuck in negative equity because they bought their first home at the top of the market.

However, for those who do manage to meet lenders’ stricter criteria and raise a deposit, a separate study from Halifax found yesterday that typical mortgage payments for a new borrower, including first-time buyers and home movers, are at their most affordable in 15 years.

Rents have soared over the last year as would-be home buyers have remained trapped in the rental sector.

Kay Boycott, director of communications, policy and campaigns at Shelter, said: “It’s heartbreaking that so many people are being forced to put their lives on hold in this way.

“Sadly, more and more couples are finding that despite working hard and saving hard, they’re still priced out of a stable and affordable home, trapped in rented housing where landlords can evict them or raise the rent at any time.

“We know that many simply don’t think this is a suitable place to raise a family.”

Netmums founder Sally Russell said a family home was one of the most basic requirements for raising children, but many people are finding this increasingly unattainable.

She said: “The latest news from Shelter that the number of 31 to 44-year-olds who are delaying starting a family has leapt by two thirds is simply shocking.

“Sadly for a number of these, leaving it too late may mean they may never able to have children. For others, it could mean both parents forced to work full time when their baby is tiny just to keep a roof over their heads.”

More than 5,000 people took part in the research this month across Britain.